Newsletter

Posted March 12, 2009 06:00 am

Associated Press

League asks for age investigation

Major League Baseball is investigating more than 40 cases involving Dominican Republic prospects suspected of lying about their age upon signing professional contracts, according to the league's vice president of international affairs.

Lou Melendez said Wednesday the request came from the U.S. consulate in the Dominican Republic as a result of a new State Department policy. The investigation began a week ago.

Several Latino players have said they lied about their ages in recent years, including Vladimir Guerrero and Miguel Tejada .

YANKEES: Alex Rodriguez is pleased with his recovery from arthroscopic hip surgery.

Doctors said they found nothing that would keep him from returning to the lineup in May.

- Closer Mariano Rivera threw 30 pitches in his first batting practice session. He will throw BP on Saturday and then will likely make his first exhibition appearance early next week.

He had surgery on his right shoulder in October 2008.

METS: Right-hander Mike Pelfrey threw a bullpen session and is set to return to exhibition play this weekend after feeling pain in his lower leg.

MARLINS: Utility player Alfredo Amezaga was diagnosed with a sprained left knee that's expected to sideline him four to six weeks.

TWINS: Catcher Joe Mauer will take a stronger dosage of anti-inflammatory medicine to try to hasten his recovery from a lower-back problem.

STEROIDS: Attorney General Eric Holder has recused himself from any role in deciding whether to charge Roger Clemens with lying to Congress about steroids.

Before becoming attorney general, Holder worked at the firm Covington and Burling LLC, which had Clemens as a client.